Joel Latibeaudiere | The guys only had good things to say, I'm over the moon

Joel Latibeaudiere has revealed how ringing endorsements from the likes of Rhian Brewster and Conor Gallagher played a part in his decision to turn down interest from elsewhere to join Swansea City.

The 20-year-old defender has signed a three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium after completing his move from Manchester City, subject to international clearance.

Like new team-mates Marc Guehi and Morgan Gibbs-White, Latibeaudiere played under Swansea boss Steve Cooper in the England Under-17 side that won their World Cup in 2017.

Brewster and Gallagher – who had eye-catching loan spells with the Swans last term – were also in that side, and Latibeaudiere was left in no doubt that Swansea was the right place for him after speaking with them about their experience in SA1.

“I feel it’s the right time to start a new chapter and I am happy to be here,” he said

“I have worked under Steve Cooper and Mike Marsh before, and I have a lot of friends who have come here like Rhian, Conor, Marc and Morgan.

“Just speaking to them and seeing how it has benefited them – the style of football and everything around that – were big factors in me choosing Swansea.

“It was all great opinions about the club and how they have loved their time here.

“I felt the club would give ma chance to develop and play good football with the ball on the deck. You are looking at different patterns and ways to execute tactical ideas against opponents.

“I like what I see, and hearing from those guys and how they loved playing for Swansea means I am over the moon to be here.”

Prior to his move Latibeaudiere had spent seven years on Manchester City’s books, captaining the Citizens at youth level before having a loan spell with FC Twente last term.

Along the way he got the chance to work under Pep Guardiola and current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

There was also the chance test himself against the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva in training, while learning from figures such as Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott.

“There are big stars there that I learned a lot from, someone like Vinny when he was there, for example,” said Latibeaudiere.

“There were also people like (loanee player liaison) Joleon Lescott, who I was involved with a lot, and working under a staff like that it was just fascinating to see how they set up and how they take on opposition in England and in Europe.

“You try and soak it all up, on and off the pitch. All those little things, they are so professional and are doing everything to maximise performance.

“It was fascinating for me, a great learning curve, and I want to bring all that to Swansea.”